Family & Memory is a panel discussion that addresses the works of a number of artists in CONTINUUM, an exhibition held April 19 – July 9, 2022 at Textile Center. In this conversation, artists Hale Ekinci, Clare Hu, Jocelyn Suzuka Figueroa, and Ivonne Yáñez present their work in the context of a Family and Memory, a recurring theme throughout CONTINUUM.

Ties to identity, rooted in family relationships and imbedded in memories made throughout a lifetime, are a primary source of inspiration and a constant source of contemplation for these artists. Their highly personal works reveal lived experiences about transition, as their families before them or they themselves moved from countries of origin to America. Suzuka Figueroa’s hand sewn sculptural works focus on family–the fantasy, memory, and reality of family–and the blurring and grayed areas of these boundaries in their cartoonesque object-ness. The value of labor, relationships, handwork, and reconciling cultural differences emanate from the painted, stitched, and embellished works of Ekinci. Deteriorated fabrics become a stand-in for memory and nostalgia, through the fiber-based works of Hu, who uses texture and mapping as communication tools.  The work of Yáñez rounds out the conversation with its focus on celebrations and milestones that celebrate meaningful relationships in her extended family and community.

Join us for a personal foray into the studio practices of each of these artists, in this moderated conversation with Q&A from the audience, as they share how identity—and their studio work—is informed by Family and Memory.

Learn more about the artists and view their work in the virtual exhibition here